Pekingese Ear Care Guide – Preventing Otitis and Building a Home Care Routine

The imperial Pekingese is known for its luxurious double coat, short muzzle, and long decorative feathering around the ear flaps. However, this elegant appearance can hinder airflow inside the ears, trapping moisture and increasing the risk of otitis externa. With consistent ear care at home, you can effectively prevent inflammation and infection.

01Why Pekingese Ears Are More Vulnerable

The Pekingese has abundant decorative feathering around the ear flaps, and the ear canal itself is relatively narrow with ears that lie close to the head. This means airflow inside the ear canal is limited, creating an environment where moisture and ear wax can easily accumulate.

Additionally, as a brachycephalic breed with characteristic breathing issues and skin folds, systemic immunity and skin condition are closely linked, so dermatitis or allergies around the ears can often lead to otitis externa. Pekingese owners should proactively and consistently monitor ear health as a preventive measure.

Especially during summer, after baths, or after walks when moisture lingers, bacteria and yeast can proliferate easily—making drying and cleanliness the keys to prevention.

02Daily Ear Care Routine – Check 2–3 Times a Week

For Pekingese, a simple check 2–3 times a week can help catch problems early. Examine the inside of the ear flap and the entrance to the ear canal, checking for odor, discharge, and redness.

Basic Checkpoints

• Is there a sour or musty smell coming from the ear?
• Is there excessive brown or yellow discharge or sticky wax?
• Is the skin inside the ear flap red or warm to the touch?
• Does your dog frequently shake their head or scratch at their ears?

If there are no signs of trouble, gently wipe the folds of the ear flap and the entrance with gauze or a cotton pad moistened with a pet-safe ear cleaner. Avoid cotton swabs, as they can push wax deeper into the canal.

03Drying Ears After Baths and Walks Is Essential

Because of the long feathering that wraps around the ear flaps, moisture can linger much longer in Pekingese ears. Always dry the ears inside and out after baths or walks in the rain.

Gently press dry gauze around the ear canal entrance to absorb moisture, and blow-dry the decorative ear feathering on a low setting. High heat can irritate the skin, so use cool or warm air from at least 8 inches (20 cm) away.

If you live in a humid climate or during the summer months, lightly dusting the ear canal with a specialized ear powder once or twice a week may help control moisture.

04Ear Hair Management and Improving Airflow

In Pekingese, the decorative feathering on the outside of the ear flap is so long and dense that it often completely covers the ear, blocking airflow to the ear canal and trapping moisture.

Have a professional groomer regularly trim the hair around the ear flap, or carefully trim only the hair covering the ear opening at home using blunt-tipped scissors. Do not pluck hair from inside the ear canal without consulting your veterinarian or a professional groomer first, as this can cause irritation.

Improving airflow alone can significantly reduce the recurrence of otitis externa, so we recommend maintaining a grooming schedule every 4–6 weeks.

05Early Signs of Otitis and How to Respond

If your Pekingese shows any of the following behaviors, it may be an early sign of otitis externa:

• Tilting the head to one side or shaking it repeatedly
• Scratching at the ear with a hind paw or rubbing the ear on the floor
• An unusual smell or discharge coming from the ear
• Pain or sensitivity when you touch the ear

If these symptoms appear, do not attempt aggressive cleaning at home. Visit your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause (bacterial, yeast, allergic, etc.). Treatment and ear cleaners vary depending on the cause, so professional consultation is essential.

Some owners incorporate home care solutions like ANITOK Care into their daily routine to maintain cleanliness, which may help support prevention.

06Allergy & Diet Management and Ear Health

Pekingese often have sensitive skin and may be prone to allergies, and food or environmental allergens can trigger ear inflammation. Some dogs react to certain proteins (chicken, beef) or grains, so if your dog has recurring otitis externa, you may want to try a limited-ingredient or elimination diet.

Environmental allergens such as dust mites and pollen can also be culprits, so wash bedding frequently and use an air purifier to manage the indoor environment.

Chronic otitis externa is not just an ear issue—it can be a signal of systemic immune or skin health, so it's important to work with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive management plan.